Citizenship is not a new concept, but in this globalized economy which views human beings as resources, the ideals of democracy, peace and solidarity have been profoundly shaken. In order to survive and carve themselves a place in this new world, individuals are forced to pursue a personal agenda, to adopt individual survival strategies and to seek personal gain, at the great expense of our planet Earth. As a result, societies are forgetting the meaning of "being and doing together" and the glue that holds all people together – "the common good". It is time to revisit the respective values of the environment, democracy, peace and solidarity, as well as to explore their valuable interconnectedness.
The Canadian Teachers' Federation has adapted pedagogical workshop materials, developed by the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, into a national bilingual format.
Teacher's Guide
The first teaching activities in the Teacher's Guide (PDF Version) "Engaging in Our Communities… as Global Citizens" invite students to discover how the values of the environment, democracy, peace and solidarity help to ensure a sustainable future. The second series of activities invites them to take action within their group, their school and their community, in a spirit of openness to the world. Finally, the guide suggests making a commitment of solidarity with communities in developing countries.
Student Activist Guide
The Teacher's Guide is complemented by the Student Activist Guide (PDF Version), which offers youth various ways of taking action, including Web links to social justice groups across the country.
Student Passport
The Student Passport (PDF Version) allows students to record their commitment and actions and receive stickers of recognition.
Curriculum Links
Teachers will find that "Engaging in our Communities… as Global Citizens" contains content and exercises that will match curriculum expectations in a variety of places. Not only can they be used as part of the traditional subject areas such as Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Art, they are also appropriate for general development subject areas such as Health and Wellness, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Consumer Issues and the Environment, Media, and Living Together and Citizenship. Teachers will also find the content extremely useful for interdisciplinary subject areas such as Research and Analysis, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking and Judgement, Self-actualization, Cooperation, Effective Work Habits, Use of Information Technology, Effective Communication.
Ontario Curriculum, Grades 6, 7, 8
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has linked all activities, as outlined in the Teacher's Guide, to the Writing, Reading, Media and Oral curriculum for grades 6 (PDF Version), 7 (PDF Version) and 8 (PDF Version).
A French Guide on the principles and values underlying the document "Engaging in Our Communities… as Global Citizens ..." for Users of the French-language Curriculum in Ontario, grades 9 and 10, is available by clicking here (PDF Version).
Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum, Grade 6
The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association has linked all activities, as outlined in the Teacher's Guide, to the grade 6 provincial curriculum (PDF Version).
To obtain your classroom set of documents, please email info@ctf-fce.ca.